Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash, also known as a neck sprain or strain, describes an injury that occurs when the neck moves back and forth forcefully and rapidly, like the cracking of a whip. This injury is most commonly acquired in rear-end collisions when a car stops abruptly and the victim’s seatbelt locks his or her body in place while the head flails forward and backward.

While the word whiplash often carries a negative or less-than-real connotation, the injury can be serious, especially when the whipping motion causes damage to the bones or discs in the spine or tissues in the neck.

If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident, and are suffering from a neck injury, you would be wise to consult an experienced Vancouver whiplash lawyer at Preszler Law. Our firm can help you exercise your right to receive financial compensation from the insurance company for lost income and any medical bills you have incurred as a result of your injury, not to mention, your pain and suffering. We have successfully handled a multitude of car accident cases involving whiplash, and we want to help you. Call us today at 1-844-373-8202 to schedule a free, initial consultation.

What are the symptoms of whiplash?

Moments after a car accident, the injured party may feel excruciating neck pain and muscle stiffness. He or she may also suffer from headaches at or near the base of the skull, and pain and tenderness in the shoulders, upper back, and arms. Tingling and numbness can also occur in the arms.

Can whiplash also cause nausea and dizziness?

Yes. Other symptoms of whiplash include tiredness and dizziness, impaired vision (often blurred), difficulty sleeping, affected memory and concentration, depression and irritability, and a ringing sound in the ears (tinnitus).

How is whiplash diagnosed and treated?

To diagnose whiplash, a doctor performs an exam. He or she checks your range of motion, pain, and symptoms present as a result of the injury. In addition, a series of tests will be ordered to determine whether or not other injuries are present (like broken bones or damage to your spinal cord). These tests may include: X-Rays, CT and an MRI.

When it comes to effective whiplash treatment, a doctor’s primary goals will be to manage your pain and help you move freely. This may require the use of prescription painkillers and muscle relaxers. At times, physical therapy and lidocaine injections may also be needed. Plus, brief or prolonged bed rest could be required.

How long do the symptoms of whiplash last?

Most people who develop whiplash recover within a few months. However, patients with serious cases of whiplash–where neck or spinal damage has occurred–may continue to feel pain for several months or years. Severe neck pain and headaches may require ongoing medical care, which can be costly and should be accounted for in your injury claim.

What is a whiplash claim worth?

The facts of your case and how your whiplash injury is categorized will determine how much compensation you receive. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) Injury Settlement Guidelines suggest a sum between $6,500 and $15,000 for a whiplash injury. However, you may also be entitled to up to $360,000 for pain and suffering as well as compensation for wages lost and future health care expense depending on the impairment to your life. However, the final determination is made by the court.

It is important to understand that the ICBC does not necessarily work in your favor. It is a business with a team of lawyers fighting to protect their bottom line. This is why you should consider having the same protection.

Our legal team is highly experienced in personal injury law. Many of our lawyers formerly represented the ICBC. We know the insurance company’s first attempt at a settlement will be low. This is just one of the many tactics it employs to deter you from fighting for what is rightfully yours after suffering an injury in an accident. Let us help you level the playing field and fight back by presenting the insurance company with a case that proves your damages and losses are real.

At Preszler Law, we evaluate and conduct thorough investigations on our clients’ cases. This allows us to gather our own, independent evidence and testimonies to support your claim, and get you the maximum compensation under law.

How soon should I file a claim, and what is it going to cost me?

Try to file your claim as soon as you can, but make sure you carefully build your case and follow the right steps. Preszler Law in Vancouver can help you successfully complete the claims filing process and present the evidence that establishes the value of your claim.

As for how much it will cost, we do not collect a fee unless we recover compensation for you, and you never pay us directly. Our fee comes from the compensation that we recover for you.

Set up a free consultation with one of our whiplash lawyers so we can give you an idea of what you can expect if you file a whiplash claim.

Speak with a Vancouver Whiplash Lawyer at Preszler Law Today

It is natural to have questions about the claims process and your financial recovery. We will answer all your questions honestly. Do not make the mistake of navigating the law alone. It is your right to pursue maximum compensation for your car accident injuries. Call us at 1-844-373-8202 to get started today.

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